Local food benefits area charities at Got to Be NC Festival

RALEIGH — A plate of N.C. barbecue or seafood will go a long way to help area children’s charities during the 2012 Got to Be NC Festival at the State Fairgrounds May 18-20.

On Saturday, May 19, teams representing local and national Masonic lodges will participate in the seventh annual Masonic Carolina Pig Jig. The barbecue competition raises funds for the Masonic Home for Children and Central Children’s Home in Oxford. Over the past six years, the event has raised nearly $40,000 for the two residential homes, which provide a stable environment for disadvantaged and neglected children and teens.

Barbecue from the competition will be available for purchase from 11 a.m. until the barbecue runs out. Tickets are $10 for adults and free for children under 7. Each ticket includes an all-you-can-sample plate of barbecue, sides, a drink and a ballot for the People’s Choice contest.

The Amran Shriners’ Fish Fry will be set up all three days of the festival to raise funds for the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Visitors can purchase a plate with their choice of either N.C. flounder or shrimp for $8, or enjoy both for $10. Plates include slaw, hushpuppies, fries and a drink. The nearly $4,000 raised during last year’s fish fry helped provide free transportation and medical care to area children being treated at one of the 22 Shriners Hospitals across North America.

The Got to Be NC Festival, presented by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, features hundreds of pieces of antique farm equipment, Got to Be NC Food and Wine Expo, Carolina FiberFest, carnival rides, live music, grandstand events and more. Festival admission and parking are free. For hours and a detailed schedule of events, go to www.gottobencfestival.com.